Lawrence, NJ's Oldest Pizzeria Debuts New High-End Menu and Decor

    /24-7PressRelease/ - LAWRENCEVILLE, NJ, April 28, 2008 - The Princeton-Lawrenceville area has long been known for its ties to education, pharmaceuticals and finance - but the Candela family, headed by second-generation scions Pietro (Pete) and Franco (Frank), would like to put their region on the map for something far less lofty: great Italian food served in a relaxing atmosphere.

Their new take-out menu, an eight-page Bible of European cuisine that contains everything from the SuperSteak (double the steak, double the cheese, but not double the price) to Heavenly Linguine (a dish so good, it's sinful), made its debut last week. Special symbols denote "Healthy Choices" and "Candela Family Favorites" to bring shape and form to the massive menu, and nearly every entree is completely customizable under a new option known as Candela By Request.

Updated decor and other "accoutrements", as the Candelas call them, will be completed by year's end.

"There's such a tremendous population of Italians here in Mercer County," Pete observes, "but no one has stepped up and done something like you see at Federal Hill in Providence, or in South Philly. We've been in this community a long time, and now it's time for us to take that step."

That's a steep goal, but the aptly-named Candela, the two location restaurant chain Pete and Frank intend to nurture and grow into something far larger, is an establishment steeped in history.

It's the oldest continually operating pizzeria in Lawrence, a position that provides Pete and Frank an unprecedented window into local dining habits and trends - and a great launching pad for what their marketing executive calls "measured growth".

Patrick Diogenia, Founding Partner of CrowdConnect, has advised Candela on marketing and management matters since 2006, and lead strategy and development on the new menu.

"We're delighted that our work has been so well received," Diogenia said, "and even more delighted about the increased business coming into Candela."

Starting this month, the full complement of new menu items are available at both Candela locations in New Jersey. Candela will also introduce online ordering this spring.

About Candela Ristorante & Pizzeria

Candela Pizzerias is a family-owned company that specializes in providing delicious, authentic Italian food to consumers and businesses via its two retail locations, network of delivery drivers and their recently launched Catering by Candela initiative.

Candela oversees the longest continually operating pizzeria in Lawrence, NJ, located on Lawn Park Avenue near Rider University. Their newest location on Quakerbridge Rd in Lawrence opened in August 2006. For more information on Candela, please visit their website www.candelapizza.com .

About CrowdConnect Group

CrowdConnect Group, LLC , is a marketing consultancy and advertising agency that advises clients in the retail, restaurant and hospitality industries on the full range of elements critical to their success. From marketing strategy and public relations to operations consulting, menu development, long-range planning and acquisition of financing, CrowdConnect delivers the 'full plate' of business-critical tasks to qualified entrepreneurs, mid-size companies and enterprises.

Patrick Diogenia, Founding Partner, signed his first clients to the firm in 2004, including the City of Philadelphia and Knight Ridder (now McClatchy Co.). Diogenia, a former television personality and recording artist, continues to lead the firm today.

For more information on CrowdConnect, please visit the firm's website, www.crowdconnect.com.

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